The Life of Peter Van Schaack, LL. D. Embracing selections from his Correspondence, and other writings during the American Revolution, and his Exile in England. By his son, Henry C. Van Schaack. One vol. 8vo. pp. 500. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart.
This is a novel and interesting contribution to our historical literature, Mr. Van Schaack was an eminent young lawyer in the city of New York during the period immediately preceding the Revolution, and was on terms of intimacy with John Jay, Richard Harrison, Gouverneur Morris, and other master-spirits of that time. He was opposed to the declaration of independence in the colonies, and to the resort to arms in its defence, and for his opinions was banished to England. While abroad he was placed in situations to see and to learn much in regard to the movements of both parties, and his strictures on the policy of the British, notices of public characters, etc., throw additional light upon the most important era in our history. He was a pious and well educated man, with strong powers of observation, classical taste and much skill in the use of language; and his son has done the country an acceptable service by publishing his memoirs and writings. A fine portrait by Gimbrede, from a painting by Colonel Trumbull, adds to the beauty and value of the volume.
An Exposition of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England, by Bishop Burnet. With an Appendix, containing the Augsburg Confession, Creed of Pope Pius IV., &c. Revised and Corrected, with copious Notes and additional References, by the Rev. James R. Paige, A.M., of Queen’s College, Cambridge. One volume, 8vo. New York: D. Appleton & Co.
The valuable notes from the most distinguished theological writers of the sixteenth century, biographical sketches of celebrated divines and controvertists, indices, etc. which the learned editor has added to the great work of Bishop Burnet, must cause this edition to supersede every other as a manual for students. It is printed in Messrs. Appleton and Company’s usual style of elegance and correctness.
The Writings of Rev. William Bradford Homer, with a Memoir, by Edwards A. Park. One vol. 12mo. Pp. 420. Boston: Tappan & Dennet. Philadelphia: H. Perkins.
From the interesting memoir by Professor Park we learn that Mr. Homer was a native of Boston; that he was educated at Amherst College and the Theological School at Andover; and that he died in 1841, at South Berwick, in Maine, where he was settled as minister over a Congregational Church. His literary remains consist of addresses, religious discourses, and notes on the classics, all of which are distinguished for elegance of taste and correct and appropriate thought. It is hardly necessary so to speak of a volume from the Boston press, as well printed.